Florence travel guides

Florence spotlight

A Florence city break will open your eyes to some of the world’s artistic wonders. Book a Florence hotel to come face-to-face with Michelangelo’s statue of David, or wander the Uffizi Gallery and its priceless trove of paintings.

Florence travel guides

Having never been to Italy before, I wasn’t sure what to expect aside from the things my parents, who are from Sicily had told me. I had never left Canada before, was 2 weeks away from turning 26 and going to Florence on my own to work as an au pair. The things I learned and will pass on to other woman in my position were never mentioned in the guidebooks I read; hopefully they’ll be helpful to you.

Hey ladies! You’re in Florence you need something cute to wear and the clothes you packed along just aren’t cutting it. Working as an au pair on a fixed income, I shopped around but always ended up at the same 5 places when I wanted to buy something new without much cash to buy it with.

Ah, Italy! The most romantic destination of the world. If you happen to visit with your partner, you'd better plan a stay in a Florence romantic hotel as well, if you don't want her to hold it against you for the rest of your life.. And don't forget to bring your camera with you! This stunning city has too many things worth a picture. Here's a quick guide to help you choose the best spots to take pictures of Florence.

Holidays in Tuscany take you to walled medieval towns and Renaissance cities brimming with art. Book a Tuscany hotel to catch a local festival or follow tranquil back roads past vineyards and olive groves.

Florentine cuisine derives from peasant dishes relying on homegrown ingredients and imagination. These dishes are prepared in traditional and innovative manners, and are on offer in the city's wealth of restaurants, trattorias, and enotecas (wine bars). Thanks to Tuscany's rich terrain and plentiful vineyards, Florence is home to some of Italy's most renowned wines.

Known as the cradle of the Renaissance, Florence is widely regarded as Italy's artistic capital. Within the ancient medieval walls that enclose the historic center, the winding streets are dotted with as historic monuments and influential works of art. Walk the streets and you'll encounter awe-inspiring art - Michelangelo's David, Bartolomeo Ammanati's Fountain of Neptune - as well as great places to eat and drink.

Home to luxury international fashion labels, Florence is regarded as Italy's original fashion hub. This is the birthplace of handcrafted leather goods, and remains the go-to destination for exceptional shoes and handbags. But if you want to skip the designer boutiques, you can hit up the markets and outlet malls.

Discovering and tasting the region's many fine wines at Florence's numerous bars is a popular pastime. Listening to live music - be it in a thumping nightclub, a groovy jazz bar, or a classic opera house - is one of the best ways to mix with locals.

Florence is the kind of city that takes the guesswork out of kid-friendly entertainment. From intellectual and sensorial experiences like museum tours and cooking classes, to the fun outdoor options offered by lush and sprawling public parks, your kids won't know what they'll want to do first.

A spring holiday in Florence means rejuvenating, mild days ambling through Renaissance gardens, fresh produce at farmers’ markets and high-octane Easter festivities. Book a spring hotel in Florence and see the city at its freshest.